A COMPLETE UNKNOWN Review - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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A COMPLETE UNKNOWN Review

James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is a mesmerizing and electric exploration of Bob Dylan’s early years, capturing the enigmatic folk legend at a pivotal moment in his career. Anchored by Timothée Chalamet’s transformative performance as Dylan, the film offers a rich, layered narrative that delves into the man behind the music, exploring his relationships, ambitions, and the creative struggles that shaped his groundbreaking artistry.

The film begins in 1961, with Dylan arriving in New York City on a mission to meet his ailing idol, Woody Guthrie (played with gentle gravitas by Scoot McNairy). This opening sequence sets the tone for the film: intimate, poignant, and steeped in the cultural and political currents of the time. Dylan’s initial encounter with Guthrie and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton, in a quietly commanding performance) serves as a catalyst for his integration into the city’s vibrant folk scene. Chalamet’s Dylan, wide-eyed yet fiercely self-assured, quickly establishes himself as a compelling figure, oscillating between vulnerability and swagger.

Elle Fanning’s Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by Dylan’s real-life girlfriend Suze Rotolo, brings warmth and complexity to the narrative. Russo’s relationship with Dylan forms the emotional core of the film, their dynamic both tender and tumultuous. Fanning’s performance is luminous, capturing the quiet strength and eventual heartbreak of a woman who grapples with Dylan’s growing fame and infidelity. Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez, another key figure in Dylan’s life, is equally compelling, her chemistry with Chalamet sparking in their musical and personal collaborations.

The supporting cast adds depth and texture to the story, with Boyd Holbrook as the charismatic Johnny Cash and McNairy’s Guthrie serving as mentors and influences on Dylan’s evolving sound. Norton’s Seeger, balancing warmth with occasional sternness, embodies the protective yet conflicted role of a folk elder. The interactions between these characters illuminate the tensions within the folk community, particularly as Dylan begins to push boundaries with his music.

Mangold’s direction is masterful, blending biographical detail with a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality. The film’s visual palette, courtesy of cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, captures the smoky coffeehouses, bustling streets, and intimate recording studios of 1960s New York with evocative authenticity. The period-accurate production design immerses viewers in a world on the cusp of cultural revolution.

Music, unsurprisingly, is at the heart of the film, with Chalamet performing several of Dylan’s iconic tracks live. His renditions are raw and soulful, capturing the essence of Dylan’s early performances while adding a personal touch. The climactic Newport Folk Festival sequence, where Dylan debuts his controversial electric sound, is a tour de force, blending tension, triumph, and the visceral power of live music. Johnny Cash’s (Boyd Holbrook) role in encouraging Dylan to embrace this evolution adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

The screenplay balances its biographical elements with broader themes of identity, authenticity, and artistic freedom. Dylan’s struggles with the expectations of the folk community and the pressures of fame are explored with nuance, revealing a man torn between his desire for artistic innovation and his loyalty to his roots. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting Dylan’s flaws, from his evasive nature to his sometimes callous treatment of those closest to him, making for a portrait that feels honest and multidimensional.

While A Complete Unknown is undeniably ambitious, it occasionally falters under the weight of its sprawling narrative. Some subplots, such as Dylan’s relationship with Baez, feel slightly underdeveloped, and the film’s pacing can be uneven, particularly in its second act. However, these minor issues are overshadowed by the film’s emotional and artistic achievements.

It would be foolish to disagree with the common critical effusive praise for Chalamet’s performance; it is a career-best, at least to date. This, alongside the film as a whole, will leave you reflecting on Dylan’s enduring legacy and the courage it takes to defy expectations and reinvent oneself. 

A Complete Unknown is a meditation on the nature of artistry and the cost of greatness. Mangold has crafted a film that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant, a fitting tribute to one of music’s most enigmatic figures. For fans of Dylan and newcomers alike, this is a cinematic experience that demands to be seen.

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